American re-opened its arrivals lounge at Heathrow in Terminal 3 in August 2016, where it had been closed for renovations. Per American’s website, the instructions were to, “Exit to the right of the Terminal 3 Customs Hall, and take the stairs or lift to Level 2.”
Unfortunately, signage and directions to the lounge were less than clear. There were signs indicating that it was located near the Virgin Atlantic Revivals lounge, but then when I arrived to the elevators that takes one there, the signage was gone. I had to actually walk into the Virgin lounge to ask for directions, and was directed to a long hallway and another lift to get me there.
However, once I was able to find it, I was very impressed by the elegant and cheery atmosphere in the lounge. The sad thing, however, is that it was hardly utilized. I am not sure if it is just because people aren’t aware that it is open, or because people in Premium cabins may be connecting onto other flights or wishing to leave the airport ASAP.
Access to the Lounge
The lounge is open daily, from 5 a.m. – 2:30 p.m during the winter months, and through 3:30 PM during the summer months. It is important to note that this is not a typical American Airlines lounge: in fact, it is not even an Admirals Club. Rather, it is an Arrivals lounge, and the only airport to offer it in the AA system is Heathrow.
It is also unique because its presence in Terminal 3 enable certain passengers from British Airways, Qantas and Cathay Pacific to use it, since those three carriers also operate into T3 at Heathrow.
Broadly speaking, these are the rules of access per American’s website:
Customers who can access the lounge when arriving on a same-day flight:*
- First and Business Class travelers
- AAdvantage® Executive Platinum/oneworld® Emerald SM members
- British Airways Premier members
Flying on British Airways, Cathay Pacific or Qantas?
Customers who can access the lounge when arriving on a same-day flight:*
- First, Business Class, oneworld®EmeraldSM and British Airways Premier customers on long-haul international flights marketed and operated by British Airways.
- First and Business Class customers on long-haul international flights marketed and operated by Qantas, or marketed by British Airways and operated by Qantas, or marketed by Qantas and operated by British Airways.
- First and Business Class customers on long-haul international flights marketed and operated by Cathay Pacific.
What This Means
Basically, any customer traveling in First or Business on American-operated flights can use this lounge after arrival into Heathrow. Presently, American serves London Heathrow from Eight gateway cities: Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, Philadelphia and Raleigh – Durham. Typically, the earliest arrivals on American into Heathrow do not arrive until after 6 AM, and the same goes for Cathay and Qantas. British Airways, however, has a gamut of flights from around the world which operate out of Terminal 3, which may subsequently merit the club’s early morning opening hour.
Lounge Experience
The first thing that I did was book a shower, which took no time. There are actually 29 shower units available, featuring C.O. Bigelow products and replete with towels, amenities,blow dryers and hooks to hang suits and dresses. Valet ironing services are also available. You can also request for shaving kits and dental kits, which I did. The finishes to the showers are absolutely stunning.
After a refreshing shower, I headed into the main lounge area. The food spread here is REALLY nice. There is a hot buffet that offers continental items as well as traditional English breakfast dishes. There is a self-serve bar with Moët champagne (right!?) and an Espresso maker.
You can also order from the A La Carte menu or the Bloody Mary menu.
With plenty of comfortable seating areas replete with charging stations, adequate lighting, modular and trendy furniture and a selection of newspapers and magazines, it is a perfect area to work or relax after a long flight.
There is also a café/bar-like section designed for a more social-like atmosphere, and a quieter, office/business section with a laser printer.
Overall, the AA Arrivals lounge at Heathrow is definitely worth a visit for a quick bite, freshen-up or place to find some solitude before heading into London. Thumbs up to AA for a great redesign, but thumbs down for the signage!
